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Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue and Housing Andy Ellul announced that from this year the grant linked to the rehabilitation of vacant properties which are then transferred to the Housing Authority's inventory, will double to €50,000. Dr Ellul also announced that where previously the property had to be built 30 years ago to qualify for the grant, this has now changed and all properties that have been built 20 years ago can now qualify. “In this way we are broadening the eligibility for those who can apply for this scheme,” explained Dr Ellul. The Rehabilitation of Vacant Dwellings for Rent Scheme (RVU) is an initiative where a person who owns a property that has been empty for more than a year can benefit from funds to renovate or rehabilitate this property. Once this rehabilitation is carried out, the property enters the 'Rent to Help' scheme. Until last year each applicant received up to €25,000, with the grant this year doubling to a maximum of €50,000. During a press conference in Ghaxaq during which the changes to this scheme were announced, Parliamentary Secretary Ellul explained how through this model the Government is creating certainty on two sides. "On the landlord's side there is peace of mind that they have a place rented to the Housing Authority for ten years with a stable income and on the other side, that is, for those most in need, certainty of a roof over their heads that offers dignity and stability." Dr Ellul said that this scheme is part of a list of schemes that the Housing Authority has to boost the provision of affordable housing. “Thanks to this scheme, a property owner can carry out structural repair works so that a vacant and derelict place reaches basic levels of residential accommodation.” Dr Ellul continued by saying that the changes to this scheme form part of a wider social housing system. “This scheme is a sustainable model that combines the interests of the owners and the efficient use of property with the social needs of the country so that together they help us continue to give dignity to more people and more families, and to continue to ensure that every person in Malta has a roof over their head.” For his part, the Chief Executive of the Authority Housing Minister Matthew Zerafa said that through this scheme an opportunity is being given "to the elderly who have a holiday home that is no longer in use and wish to make better use of it, as well as a family that has inherited an old house that has remained vacant due to the financial burden of restoration." Mr Zerafa explained how this €50,000 can be used for structural repairs, necessary alterations or extensions, works related to electricity, plumbing and drainage and repairs or replacement of tiles, apertures and doors, among others. Photo (OPM_PS)